(Photo courtesy of Ohio News Connection/Adobe Stock)

Nadia Ramlagan

The number of Ohioans living with kidney disease has jumped by 60%, and arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions are on the rise, according to the latest report from the United Health Foundation.

Dr. Teresa Long, professor and special adviser for community engagement and partnerships at the Ohio State University College of Public Health, explained living with chronic diseases can isolate individuals, worsening outcomes and triggering a vicious cycle. She added it is important to strengthen community networks and incorporate small, “health-forward” changes into daily life.

“Choosing to take a walk to get the newspaper or to the mailbox, walk the block in the neighborhood, walk with others,” Long outlined. “The more that we can build in social connectivity, the better it is for, again, the individual and all of those who are connected to that person.”

Nationwide, the report said more than 29 million adults now live with three or more chronic conditions and face burdens in terms of health care costs and quality of life. At the same time, the report found the nation’s supply of primary care professionals declined by 13% between this year and last.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of employer and individual for UnitedHealthcare, pointed out individuals who are living with chronic conditions are at higher risk of developing behavioral health issues as well.

“That mind-body connection is important,” Randall asserted. “Depression is one of the eight conditions that we are seeing on the rise.”

According to the report, 12% of Ohio adults reported frequent mental distress, and the number of mental health providers in the state increased by more than 50% between 2018 and 2023.